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Advocates for veterans are opposing a proposal that could cut cost-of-living adjustments for wounded service members. The White House and Republican lawmakers have backed proposed changes to how wage inflation estimates are calculated by the government that could trim as much as $100 billion in spending over the next 10 years. The move would cut disability benefits through the VA and Social Security, veterans groups say.

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A compromise version of the 2013 defense authorization bill has several provisions aimed at meeting military health care needs and managing costs. Tricare participants would not have to pay increased enrollment fees, for example, but would see slight increases to pharmacy copayments, and future copay increases would be tied to cost-of-living adjustments given to military retirees. The bill would also increase access to mental health services for veterans and require the Defense Department to offer suicide prevention training via a program for reservists and National Guard members.

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to launch a program to collect more data on the cause of death for veterans in a bid to decrease mortality from prescription medicines and suicide. The program will include a mortality study and a database officials can use to evaluate services available to veterans.

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center has reported a drop in cases of traumatic brain injury among U.S. forces serving in Afghanistan, from 645 cases per month in 2011 to 373 per month from January to October 2012. While declines in troop levels and overall mortality rates tied to improvised explosive devices are considered factors, analysts also say better diagnosis and treatment of concussions in combat zones could be responsible for the change.

Microsoft has paired its Kinect body motion-driven gaming accessory with software in a package to help wounded troops and veterans do physical therapy at home. Microsoft is collaborating with the Air Force to define the system and plans to open talks with the Army.

A measure passed by the Senate last week to expand coverage of fertility treatment services to wounded veterans may not become law after Republican lawmakers raised concerns over funding. Senate Democrats plan to use $568 million saved by the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, but Republican critics worry the necessary funds might be drawn from monies earmarked for current overseas military operations.